Configurable seating device and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A configurable seating device comprising a first portion configured to engage at least one object when in an open position, a second portion operably connected to the first portion, and a third portion operably connected to the second portion, wherein, when in the open position, a user is accommodated by the configurable seating device a distance above a ground surface, and the third portion is configured to contact the ground surface and is capable of supporting a weight of the user accommodated by configurable seating device is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/114,654, filed May 24, 2011, entitled “Configurable SeatingDevice and Method of Use Thereof.”

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to a configurable and transportable seatingdevice, and more specifically to embodiments of a configurable,transportable seat for use while hunting and/or hiking.

BACKGROUND

Hunting is a wildly popular outdoors activity and a pastime in theUnited States and around the world. Many different hunting devices areemployed to successfully locate animals while also minimizing movementand noise; one such hunting device is a tree stand. Tree stands utilizean open or enclosed platform that is secured to a tree to elevate thehunter and provide a better vantage point. However, setting up a treestand requires not only a significant amount of hard work, loadcalculations, and time to ensure the safety of the hunter suspendedabove the ground on the platform, but the hunter must also carry a heavyplatform, various tools, cables, and chains to effectively suspend theheavy platform. Furthermore, hunters who struggle with or simply cannotclimb a ladder to reach a platform suspended in a tree, such as theelderly and disabled, cannot utilize a tree stand. Other hunting devicesrequire the hunter to either sit on a cushion positioned directly on theground, or assemble and disassemble a frame from a variety of singlecomponents that must be connected and disconnected from each other.Sitting directly on the ground can be very difficult or impossible forelderly and disabled hunters, and can become painful even for the mostdisciplined hunter after a prolonged period of time. Likewise,transporting a bag full of assembly components to build a frame not onlyslows a hunter down but cannot be done in a quiet manner so as to notscare off the wildlife.

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for a hunting seat thatis easily transportable, provides a comfortable hunting position, andcan be set up quickly and quietly.

SUMMARY

A first general aspect relates to a configurable seating devicecomprising: a first portion, the first portion including a strap,wherein the strap is configured to securably engage a structure, asecond portion hingedly connected to the first portion, and a thirdportion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the firstportion, the second portion, and the third portion hingedly move from afirst position to a second position, wherein, when in the firstposition, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portionare in a substantially vertical alignment, wherein, when in the secondposition, the second portion supports a user in a seated position adistance above the ground and the third portion extends from the secondportion in a direction which elevates the second portion the distanceabove the ground.

A second general aspect relates to a configurable seating device havinga first configuration and a second configuration, the seating devicecomprising: a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion,wherein, in the first configuration: the first portion is positioned ina first plane, the second portion is positioned in a second plane, andthe third portion is positioned in a third plane, wherein the secondplane is substantially parallel with the first plane, wherein, in thesecond configuration: the first portion is positioned in a fourth plane,the second portion is positioned in a fifth plane, and the third portionis positioned in a sixth plane, wherein the fifth plane is substantiallyperpendicular to the fourth plane.

A third general aspect relates to a method of forming a configurableseating device comprising: hingedly connecting a first portion to asecond portion to a second end of a connection portion, and hingedlyconnecting a third portion to the second portion, wherein hingedlyconnecting the first portion, the second portion, and the third portionfacilitates movement from a first position to a second position,wherein, when in the first position, the first portion, the secondportion, and the third portion are in a substantially vertical carryingposition, wherein, when in the second position, the second portionsupports a user in a seated position a distance above the ground and thethird portion extends from the second portion in a direction whichelevates the second portion the distance above the ground.

The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will bemore readily understood and fully appreciated from the followingdetailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference tothe following figures, wherein like designations denote like members,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of aconfigurable seating device;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the first embodiment of the configurableseating device in a second position;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the first embodiment of the configurableseating device in a first position;

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the configurableseating device in the first position;

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a first portion;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the first embodiment of the configurableseating device securably engaged to an embodiment of a structure;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a second embodiment of the configurableseating device, including an embodiment of a shelter system;

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the shelter system; and

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a heated seatcushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of thedisclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way ofexemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope ofthe present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number ofconstituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, therelative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as anexample of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, asused in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of aconfigurable seating device 100. Seating device 100 may be configured toengage a structure 3 (shown in FIG. 6), such as a tree, post, pole,beam, stump, and the like, or any object or structure that may reliablyprovide support or stability for the seating device 100. Engaging thestructure 3 may include fastening the seating device 100 to thestructure 3, utilizing various means to secure the seating device 100 tothe structure 3, such as a tree, or otherwise coupling the seatingdevice 100 to the structure 3 at one or more locations. A wedge element(not shown) may be attached to the backside of the seating device 100,wherein the wedge element is configured to outwardly pivot from theseating device 100 to incrementally engage the structure 3 havingvarious thicknesses. Embodiments of seating device 100 may be worn by auser while the user performs various outdoor, mobile, activities, suchas hunting, hiking, walking, tracking, traveling, biking, and the like.Additionally, embodiments of seating device 100 may be function as aseat, stand, bench, chair, stool, and the like, or any device that canprovide a generally horizontal (with respect to the ground) surface fora person to sit on, stand on, kneel on, etc. Embodiments of seatingdevice 100 may come in a preassembled unit to a consumer, or may be soldin a disassembled position in the form of multiple components.Furthermore, embodiments of seating device 100 may include a firstportion 10, a second portion 20, a connection portion 40, and a thirdportion 30. Further embodiments of the seating device 100 may include afirst portion 10, the first portion 10 including a strap 50, wherein thestrap 50 is configured to securably engage a structure 3, a secondportion 20 hingedly connected to the first portion 10, and a thirdportion 30 hingedly connected to the second portion 20, wherein thefirst portion 10, the second portion 20, and the third portion 30hingedly move from a first position to a second position, wherein, whenin the first position, the first portion 10, the second portion 20, andthe third portion 30 are in a substantially vertical alignment, wherein,when in the second position, the second portion 20 supports a user in aseated position a distance above the ground and the third portion 30extends from the second portion 20 in a direction which elevates thesecond portion 20 the distance above the ground. Embodiments of theseating device 100 may weigh 4-12 pounds, and may have variousdimensions. For example, one embodiment of the seating device may be 14″width×30″ height, another embodiment may be 18″ width×“30” height. Thoseskilled in the art should appreciate that the seating device 100 mayrange in size (width, depth, length, weight, etc.) to accommodatedemands and other market/industry requests.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments of the seating device 100 mayinclude a first portion 10. The first portion 10 may have a first end 11and a second end 12, a first side 13, and a second side 14. Embodimentsof the first portion 10 may be a back support member configured to restagainst the structure 3 on the second side 14, andsupport/contact/accommodate a user's back on the first side 13. Furtherembodiments of the first portion 10 may include a padded section (notshown) adhered or otherwise attached to the first side 13 to increasecomfort to the user. The first portion 10 may be hingedly connected to afirst end 41 of the connection portion 40 proximate the second end 12 ofthe first portion 10. The connection portion 40 may be a structuralmember configured to increase an angle of rotation and increase thespace between the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 while inthe first, closed position. For example, the connection portion 40 canallow the first portion 10 to be parallel or substantially parallel withthe second portion 20 and include a space therebetween when in a first,closed, carrying position. Embodiments of the connection 40 may becomprised of the same material(s) as the first portion 10.Alternatively, the first portion 10 may be hingedly connected directlyto the second portion 20 through a hinged connection which allows 180°of rotation, but offers a smaller space between the first portion 10 andthe second portion 20. The connection between the first portion 10 andthe second portion 20 (or with the connection portion 40) may be a firsthinged connection 81. The first hinged connection 81 may be a connectionbetween two objects, such as the first portion 10 and the connectionportion 40, wherein a limited angle of rotation about a fixed axis isallowed between them. Embodiments of the first hinged connection 81 mayallow an angle of rotation between the first portion 10 and theconnection portion 40 up to approximately 270° about a fixed axisdefined by the first hinged connection 81. However, an angle of rotationbetween the first and second portion 10, 20 may be less than 270° andgreater than 270° depending on the type of hinge means and the designrequirements of the seating device 100. Embodiments of the hingedconnection 81 (or hingedly connecting the first portion 10 to the secondportion 20 or the connection portion 40) may utilize a strap hinge, aT-hinge, a piano hinge, or any suitable hinge known to those havingskill in the art.

Moreover, the first portion 10 may include a strap 50 configured tosecurably engage a structure 3. Embodiments of strap 50 may be a belt,band, harness, leash, tie, string, bungee cord, or any suitable devicethat can wrap or surround a structure 3. The strap 50 may be an elasticmaterial to allow some flex when wrapping the strap 50 around structure3, or may be semi-rigid to customizably engage/wrap around a structure3. Other embodiments of strap 50 may include a strip of materialutilizing hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro® material to secure aconnection to/around a diameter of the structure 3, such as a tree. Thestrap 50 may pass through openings in the first portion 10 proximate thefirst end 11 and then open up (or split apart), as shown in FIG. 5, towrap around a structure 3 and then fasten (e.g. two flaps joiningtogether) to help prevent the seating device 100 from moving from sideto side and to promote overall stability when a user sits on the seatingdevice 100 in the second, open position. Various embodiments of strap 50may be used, including a strap that may be tightened by pulling anexcess amount of material to tighten the strap 50 around the structure3. A second strap device, such as a bungee cord, may be used toinitially secure or hinder excess movement of the seating device 100prior to or during the fastening of strap 50. For example, the secondarystrap device may wrap around the seating device 100 and the structure 3for temporary stability while a user fastens the strap 50 around thestructure 3. The secondary strap device may be removed once the strap 50is securably fastened around the structure 3, or may remain asadditional support for the seating device 100.

Embodiments of the first portion 10 may be a planar surface, having acontinuous, solid surface, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, with the exception ofa plurality of openings that may allow the passage of strap 50, asecuring strap 255, and/or one or more shoulder straps 51, 52 throughthe first portion 10, 210 (i.e. an opening defined by an opening throughthe first portion 10 starting at the first side 13 and ending throughthe second side 14). The first portion 10 may be comprised of wood,lightweight metal or metal alloy, composites, hard plastic, and thelike, or a combination thereof. Manufacture of embodiments of the firstportion 10 may depend on the material(s) comprising the first portion10. For instance, the first portion 10 may be manufactured throughinjection molding processes, or similar manufacturing processesassociated with plastics and similar synthetic materials.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments of the first portion 10 mayinclude one or more shoulder straps 51, 52. The shoulder straps 51, 52(i.e. an end of each strap 51, 52) may be fastened to a section of thefirst portion 10 located in one or more openings in the first portion 10proximate the first end 11, and may fasten to a section of the firstportion 10 located in one or more openings in the first portion 10proximate the second end 12, wherein a length of material connects theends of the straps 51, 52 fastened to the first portion 10. The lengthof material of the shoulder straps 51, 52 may be a length which allows auser to put an arm through and ultimately wear the shoulder strap 51, 52over a user's shoulder, very similar to a backpack having shoulderstraps. Other embodiments of the shoulder straps 51, 52 may be fastenedor adhered to the surface of the second side 14 of the first portion 10proximate the first end 11 and may be fastened or adhered to the surfaceof the second side 14 proximate the second end 12. Further embodimentsof the shoulder straps 51, 52 may include a portion which is molded orembedded into the first portion 10 proximate the first end 11 and aportion which is also molded or embedded into the first portion 10proximate the second end 12, wherein a length of material connects thetwo portions. Accordingly, embodiments of the seating device 100 mayinclude a set of shoulder straps 51, 52 connected to the first portion10 to accommodate a load of the seating device 100 (e.g. a load may bethe weight (lbs) of the seating device 100 and any accessories attachedthereto) when worn by the user. The set of shoulder straps 51, 52 mayeach include a padded section 53, 54 to comfort the user, when the useris wearing/carrying the seating device 100 (when the seating device 100is in the first, closed position. Those skilled in the requisite artshould appreciate that various designs of the shoulder straps 51, 52 maybe employed to increase comfort and to reduce the load of the seatingdevice 100 onto the user's shoulders. For example, the seating device100 may include one shoulder strap 51 that is designed to go across theuser's body. In another embodiment, the seating device 100 may includetwo or more straps 51, 52 that go over each shoulder. Furthermore,embodiments of the shoulder straps 51, 52 may be adjustable; theadjustable shoulder straps 51, 52 may be adjustable in length toaccommodate different heights, weights, sizes, etc. of individual users.The shoulder straps 51, 52 may be adjustable through the use of variousmeans, known to the skilled in the art, such as a slidable buckletightening the straps or loosening the straps over the user's body.

Furthermore, embodiments of the seating device 100 may include a secondportion 20. The second portion 20 may be a flat portion configured toaccommodate and support a user in a sitting, kneeling, or standingposition. The second portion 20 may have a first end 21 and a second end22, a first side 23, and a second side 24. The second portion 20 may behingedly connected to a second end 42 of the connection portion 40proximate the first end 21 of the second portion 20. The connectionbetween the second portion 20 and the first portion 10 can be the firsthinged connection 81; however, if the second portion 20 is connected tothe connection portion 40, the hinged connection may be a second hingedconnection 82. The second hinged connection 82 may be a connectionbetween two objects, such as the second portion 20 and the connectionportion 40, wherein a limited angle of rotation about a fixed axis isallowed between them. Embodiments of the second hinged connection 82 mayallow an angle of rotation between the second portion 20 and theconnection portion 40 of approximately 270° about a fixed axis definedby the second hinged connection 82. However, an angle of rotationbetween the second portion 20 and the connection portion 40 may be lessthan 270° and greater than 270° depending on the type of hinge means andthe design requirements of the seating device 100. Embodiments of thesecond hinged connection 82 (or hingedly connecting the second portion20 to the connection portion 40) may utilize a strap hinge, a T-hinge, apiano hinge, or any suitable hinge known to those having skill in theart.

Moreover, embodiments of the second portion 20 may include one or moredetachable pouches 25 attached to the side(s) of the second portion 20.The detachable pouch 25 may be removably attached to the second portion20 by placing hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strip on an adjacentedge(s) of the second portion 20 and a corresponding hook and loopfastener strip on the pouch 25. Those having skill in the art shouldappreciate that the one or more detachable pouches 25 may be removablyattached to the second portion 20 using means other than hook and loopfasteners. Alternatively, the pouches 25 may be non-detachable, such ashaving a portion of the pocket molded or embedded, nailed, glued, andthe like, into the second portion 20. Accordingly, the one or morepouches 25 may be easily removed and attached based on the user's needsto store various items. Embodiments of the detachable pouches 25 may bea single pouch member having multiple individual pockets, or may includea single pouch member forming a single pocket. Various pocket designsmay be detachably attached (or non-detachably attached) to the secondportion 20 to accommodate various items, such as tools, hand warmers,water bottles, ammunition, clothing, etc. The pouch 25 may be comprisedof a non-rigid material, such as a fabric sewn together to form apocket, pouch, multiple pockets, a zipper pocket, and the like, to allowthe detachable pouch 25 to be easily folded onto or below the secondportion 20 so as to not interfere with the seating device 100 switchingfrom the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

Embodiments of the second portion 20 may be a planar surface, having acontinuous, solid surface, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, with the exception ofa plurality of openings that may allow the fastening of one or moredetachable pouches 25. The second portion 20 may be comprised of wood,lightweight metal or metal alloy, composites, hard plastic, and thelike, or a combination thereof. Manufacture of embodiments of the secondportion 20 may depend on the material(s) comprising the second portion20. For instance, the second portion 20 may be manufactured throughinjection molding processes, or similar manufacturing processesassociated with plastics and similar synthetic materials.

With reference still to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments of the seating device 100may include a third portion 30. The third portion 30 may have a firstend 31 and a second end 32, a first side 33, and a second side 34.Embodiments of the third portion 30 may be a support member for thesecond portion 20 configured to contact the ground. For instance, thethird portion 30 may extend from the second portion 20 in a directionwhich elevates the second portion 20 a distance above the ground so theuser is not sitting close to the ground, but rather in a comfortablesitting position a distance above the ground with the user's legscomfortably extended or comfortably bent. The third portion 30 may be anextension portion. The third portion 30 may be hingedly connected to thesecond portion 20 through a hinged connection. The connection betweenthe third portion 30 and the second portion 20 may be a third hingedconnection 83. The third hinged connection 83 may be a connectionbetween two objects, such as the third portion 30 and the second portion20, wherein a limited angle of rotation about a fixed axis is allowedbetween them to maximize stability of the seating device 100 when in thesecond, open position. Embodiments of the third hinged connection 83 mayallow an angle of rotation between the third portion 30 and the secondportion 20 of approximately 90° about a fixed axis defined by the thirdhinged connection 81. For instance, in the second position, the secondend 32 of the third portion 30 can contact the ground to elevate thesecond portion 20 off of the ground, wherein the contact between thethird portion 30 and the ground may be approximately perpendicular toavoid the collapse of the seating device 100. However, an angle ofrotation between the second portion 20 and the third portion 30 may beless than 90° and greater than 90° depending on the type of hinge means,terrain, and the design requirements of the seating device 100.Embodiments of the third hinged connection 83 (or hingedly connectingthe third portion to the second portion 20) may utilize a strap hinge, aT-hinge, a piano hinge, or any suitable hinge known to those havingskill in the art.

Moreover, the third portion 30 may include at least one spike element 8to securely fasten the seating device 100 into the ground. Embodimentsof the spike element(s) 8 may be a metal, wood, or plastic stake, a tentstake, a pointed rod, or any suitable member capable of piercing intothe ground a distance. The spike element 8 may be a separate structuralmechanical member or may be structurally integral with the third portion30. Furthermore, the spike element(s) 8 may be attached to the thirdportion 30 proximate the second end 32 at various locations along anadjacent edge of the third portion 30. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that the number of spike elements 8 and the various locationsmay vary depending on the design requirements of the seating device 100.

Embodiments of the third portion 30 may be a planar surface, having acontinuous, solid surface, or may have an opening 37 as shown in FIG. 4.The opening 37 may reduce the weight of the seating device 100. Thethird portion 30 may be comprised of wood, lightweight metal or metalalloy, composites, hard plastic, and the like, or a combination thereof.Manufacture of embodiments of the third portion 30 may depend on thematerial(s) comprising the third portion 30. For instance, the thirdportion 30 may be manufactured through injection molding processes, orsimilar manufacturing processes associated with plastics and similarsynthetic materials.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIGS. 7 and 8 depict anembodiment of seating device 200. Embodiments of seating device 200 mayshare the same or substantially the same structural components andfunction as seating device 100. For instance, embodiments of the seatingdevice 200 may include a first portion 210, a second portion 220, aconnection portion 240, and a third portion 230. However, embodiments ofseating device 200 may include at least one side structure 225foldably/hingedly attached to the second portion 220 at a fourth hingedconnection 284, wherein, when the at least one side structure 225 is anupright position, the side structure 225 may prevent the user fromfalling off the second portion. Embodiments of seating device 200 mayinclude a side structure 225 on each side of the second portion 220,erected from the first side 223 of the second portion 225. The sidestructure 225 may be a rigid structure having various designs (e.g. armrest, safety bar, and the like) and comprised of the same or differentmaterials than the second portion 220 (e.g. wood, plastic, lightweightmetal, etc.) that can hinder or prevent a user, such as a disabledperson, from falling off the side of the second portion 220. The fourthhinged connection 284 may be located on an adjacent side edge of thesecond portion 220 to allow a user to quickly and easily raise the sidestructure 225 up from the first side 223 of the second portion 220 intoan upright position. The upright position of the side structure 225 maybe locked into place through various mechanical devices, and the hingedconnection 284 may prevent further rotation of the side structure 225beyond the upright position in a direction away from the second portion220. Moreover, embodiments of the seating device 200 may further includea securing strap 255 positioned on the first portion 210, the securingstrap 225 configured to wrap around a torso (e.g. waist, shoulder, legs,chest, etc.) of the user to support the user while in the seatedposition on the second portion 220 when the seating device 200 is in thesecond position. For example, the securing strap 255 may act as a safetybelt to secure a user, such as a disabled person, into a safe andcomfortable position. The securing strap 255 may be positioned at anylocation between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the firstportion 210. Embodiments of the securing strap 255 may be adjustable;the adjustable securing strap 255 may be adjustable in length toaccommodate different heights, weights, sizes, needs, etc. of individualusers. The securing strap 255 may be adjustable through the use ofvarious means, known to the skilled in the art, such as a slidablebuckle tightening the strap or loosening the strap over the user'sbody/torso. Embodiments of the seating device 200 may include more thanone securing strap 255 to safely and comfortably secure a user in afixed, typically upright position.

Referring again to FIG. 1, embodiments of the seating device 100 (andseating device 200) may further include a receiver 6 operably connectedto a light source 7. For example, the receiver 6 may be in electricaland physical communication with the light source 7, such that receiver 6may send an electrical signal to the light source 7 to actuate the lightsource 7. Embodiments of the receiver 6 and the light source 7 may bebattery operated (e.g. rechargeable battery) to allow for use in areasvoid of mains power. The receiver 6 and the light source 7 may bedisposed proximate the seating device 100, 200, or may be fixedly orremovably attached to at least one of the first portion 10, 210, thesecond portion 20, 220, and the third portion 30, 230. The receiver 6can receive a transmission from a remote device to activate/actuate thelight source 7 to provide light and visibility to a user. For instance,a user may operate a remote device in communication with the receiver 6to turn on the light source 7 when approaching the seating device atnight, or a low visibility environment. Embodiments of the light source7 may be a LED light, a spotlight, a flashlight removably attached tothe seating device 100, 200 via a frame, a strobe light, and the like,and may emit radiation across the color spectrum.

Referring back to FIGS. 7 and 8, embodiments of the seating device 100,200 may further include a shelter system 70 that may substantiallyenclose the seating device 100, 200. Embodiments of the shelter system70 may include a plurality of shelter walls 72, a canopy 71, at leastone shelter strap 57 a, 57 b attached to the structure 3, at least onesupporting rod 77, and at least one elastic strap 76. The shelter system70 may provide a shelter for a user seeking shelter from environmentalconditions, or may provide a blind for avoiding being spotted by variousanimals/game. The shelter system 70 may include a plurality of walls 72forming an enclosure on two or more sides of the user, or the structure3. Shelter straps 57 a, 57 b may be attached to the shelter system 70and configured to wrap around and securably fasten the shelter system 70to the structure 3. The plurality of walls 72 may be integral with acanopy 71, or the canopy 71 may be removable attached to the pluralityof walls 72 to provide shelter or protection from above, such as fromsunlight or rain. Embodiments of the walls 72 may include a flap 74 thatcan be dropped, zippered, or pulled down to create an opening forvisibility and/or airflow; a screen or similar mesh patterned materialmay be positioned within the opening 74 of the walls 72. The flap 74 maybe a zippered fold down flap that can be zippered up or down at variouspositions to control the size of the opening in the shelter walls 72.The shelter system 70 may further include a shelter strap 57 a, 57 b tosecurably removably fasten the shelter system 70 to the structure 3 atvarious locations on the structure 3. Additionally, one or moresupporting rods 77 may be placed into the ground or on the ground in anupright position to form a rigid structure for which the shelter walls72 and the canopy may removably or integrally attach to erect theshelter system 70. An elastic strap 76 may be used to connect thesupporting rods 77 to a stake 78 in the ground for added stability andstructural support of the shelter system 70. The shelter system 70 maybe camouflaged to reduce visibility of the shelter system 70, or may behunter orange to indicate its existence/location to others. The sheltersystem 70 may further include a hunter orange pull-out safety flap.

With additional reference to FIG. 9 embodiments of the seating device100, 200 may further include a removable seat cushion 90 attached to thesecond portion 20, 220 (e.g. the first side 23 of the second portion20). For instance, the seat cushion 90 may be removably attached to thesecond portion 20, 220. The removable seat cushion 90 may have arechargeable battery 96 operably attached to the removable seat cushion90, wherein the removable seat cushion 90 includes a heating coil 95disposed within to heat the removable seat cushion 90. Thus, a user mayattach (or the seat cushion 90 may be pre-attached prior to achievingthe second, open position) to the second portion 20 to increase comfortwhile sitting on the second portion, while also providing warmth to theuser.

Moreover, embodiments of the seating device 100, 200 may further includea cover portion. The cover portion may be attached to the seating device100, 200, configured to cover the seating device 100, 200 when theseating device 100, 200 is in the first, closed position, or the second,open position. The cover portion may be a cover, storm flap, hood, andthe like, that may fold over the seating device 100, 200 to cover/shieldthe device from environmental pollutants, such as rain and moisture. Thecover portion may be comprised of any fabric, or non-rigid material thatcan be manipulated to cover and conform to the rigid structure of theseating device 100, 200.

The manner in which the seating device 100, 200 can be moved (hingedly,foldably, etc.) from a first position to a second position will now bedescribed in further detail. FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the seatingdevice 100, 200 in a first position. The first position may be a closed,carrying position, wherein the user can wear the seating device 100, 200while walking or riding. In the first position, the first portion 10,210, the second portion 20, 220, and the third portion 30, 230 are in asubstantially vertical alignment. A substantially vertical alignmentdoes not mean that each portion may always be exactly parallel with eachother or vertical. For example, the third portion 30 could be onlysubstantially parallel with the other portions 10, 210, 20, 220, asshown in FIG. 2. However, the substantially vertical alignment of theseating device 100, 200 in the first position makes it easier for a userto maneuver while mobile, and efficiently concentrates and translatesthe load of the seating device 100, 200. In other words, in the firstposition (or the first configuration), the first portion 10, 210 ispositioned in a first plane, the second portion 20, 220 is positioned ina second plane, and the third portion 30, 230 is positioned in a thirdplane, wherein the second plane is substantially parallel with the firstplane. In some embodiments of the seating device 100, 200, a strap,belt, or comparable device may be used to secure and prevent theportions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230 from unfolding, or switching back tothe open position, when in the first position (e.g. embodiments of theseating device 100, 200 without a connection portion 40). FIG. 6 depictsan embodiment of the seating device 100, 200 in a second position.Substantially parallel may include orientations close to parallel andexactly parallel. The second position may be an open, unfolded position,wherein the user can sit, kneel, stand, etc., on the seating device 100,200. In the second position, the second portion 20, 220 can support auser in a seated position a distance above the ground, and the thirdportion 30, 230 extends from the second portion 20, 220 in a directionwhich elevates the second portion 20, 220 the distance above the ground.In other words, in the second position (or second configuration), thefirst portion 10, 210 is positioned in a fourth plane, the secondportion 20, 220 is positioned in a fifth plane, and the third portion30, 230 is positioned in a sixth plane, wherein the fifth plane issubstantially perpendicular to the fourth plane. The seating device 100,200 may be switched from the first position to the second position, andvice versa, by turning the device over on itself, and allowing theweight of the portions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230 and gravity to displacethe portions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230 in directions allowed by thehinged connections 81, 82, 83. Other embodiments of the seating device100 need only allow the weight of the portions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230and gravity displace the portions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230 into thefirst or second position. In some embodiments, the user may need toassist the movement of the portions 10, 210, 20, 220, 30, 230 dependingon the freedom of movement governed by the tightness of the hingedconnections 81, 82, 83 and/or constraints of the environment (e.g. ifdevice 100, 200 is laid on the ground).

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, embodiments of a method of forming aconfigurable seating device may include the steps of hingedly connectinga first portion 10, 210 to a second portion 20, 220, and hingedlyconnecting a third portion 30, 230 to the second portion 20, 220,wherein hingedly connecting the first portion 10, 210, the secondportion 20, 220, and the third portion 30, 230 facilitates movement froma first position to a second position, wherein, when in the firstposition, the first portion 10, 210, the second portion 20, 220, and thethird portion 30, 330 are in a substantially vertical carrying position,wherein, when in the second position, the second portion 20, 220supports a user in a seated position a distance above the ground and thethird portion 30, 330 extends from the second portion 20, 220 in adirection which elevates the second portion 20, 220 the distance abovethe ground. Embodiments of the method may further include the steps ofpositioning a strap 50 proximate a first end 11, 211 of the firstportion 10, 210 to securably engage a structure 3, hingedly attaching atleast one side structure 225 to the second portion 20, 220, wherein,when the at least one side structure 225 is an upright position,prevents the user from falling off the second portion 20, 200,positioning a securing strap 255 proximate a second end 12, 212 of thefirst portion 10, 210, the securing strap 255 configured to wrap arounda torso of the user to support the user while in the seated position onthe second portion 20, 220 when the seating device is in the secondposition, positioning a receiver 6 operably connected to a light source7 on at least one of the first portion 10, 210, the second portion 20,220, and the third portion 30, 330, wherein the receiver 6 receives atransmission from a remote device to activate the light source 7, andenclosing the first portion 10, 210, second portion 20, 220, and thethird portion 30, 230 with a shelter system 70, wherein the sheltersystem 70 includes a plurality of shelter walls 72, canopy 71, a shelterstrap 57 attached to the structure 3, at least one supporting rod 77,and at least one elastic strap 76.

While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with thespecific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of thepresent disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative,not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims.The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and shouldnot be limited to the specific examples provided herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configurable seating device comprising: a firstportion configured to engage at least one object when in an openposition; a second portion operably connected to the first portion, thesecond portion having a first end and a second end that is distal fromthe first end, wherein the first portion is operably connected to thefirst end of the second portion, and the second end defining an edgeextending along the second end of the second portion from a first end ofthe edge to a second end of the edge; and a third portion operablyconnected to the second portion at the second end of the second portion,the third portion having a length that extends between a first end and asecond end, wherein the third portion is a single leg structure, and ispivotably connected along the edge of the second portion; wherein, whenin the open position, a user is accommodated on the second portion thatis a distance above a ground surface that corresponds to the length ofthe third portion, and the third portion is configured to contact theground surface and is capable of supporting a weight of the useraccommodated by the second portion of the configurable seating device.2. The configurable seating device of claim 1, wherein the user does notwear the configurable seating device in the open position.
 3. Theconfigurable seating device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is aback support member configured to rest against a tree.
 4. Theconfigurable seating device of claim 1, further comprising: at least oneside structure foldably attached to the second portion, wherein, whenthe at least one side structure is in an upright position, resists theuser from falling off the second portion; and a securing strappositioned on the first portion, the securing strap configured to wraparound a torso of the user to support the user while accommodated by theconfigurable seating device in the open position.
 5. The configurableseating device of claim 1, further comprising: a set of shoulder strapsconnected to the first portion to accommodate a load of the configurableseating device when worn by the user, the shoulder straps including apadded section to comfort the user; at least one spike elementpositioned on the third portion to fasten the third portion in theground; and at least one detachable pouch attached to the secondportion.
 6. The configurable seating device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a receiver operably connected to a light source, thereceiver and the light source disposed proximate the configurableseating device, wherein the receiver receives a transmission from aremote device to activate the light source.
 7. The configurable seatingdevice of claim 1, wherein the configurable seating device issubstantially enclosed by a shelter system, wherein the shelter systemincludes a plurality of shelter walls, a canopy, a shelter strapattached to the structure, at least one supporting rod, and at least oneelastic strap.
 8. The configurable seating device of claim 1, whereinthe first portion, the second portion, and the third portion have acontinuous, solid surface.
 9. The configurable seating device of claim1, further comprising: a removable seat cushion attached to the secondportion, the removable seat cushion having a rechargeable batteryoperably attached to the removable seat cushion; wherein the removableseat cushion includes a heating coil disposed within to heat theremovable seat cushion.
 10. The configurable seating device of claim 1,wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to a first end of aconnection portion, and the second portion is hingedly connected to asecond end of the connection portion.
 11. A method comprising:connecting a first portion configured to engage at least one object whenin an open position to a first end of the second portion; and connectinga third portion to a second end of the second portion, the third portionhaving a length that extends between a first end and a second end,wherein the third portion is a single leg structure, and the second endof the second portion including an edge extending along the second endof the second portion from a first end of the edge to a second end ofthe edge, further wherein the third portion is pivotably connected alongthe edge of the second portion; wherein, when in the open position, auser is accommodated on the second portion that is a distance above aground surface that corresponds to the length of the second portion, andthe third portion is configured to contact the ground surface and iscapable of supporting a weight of the user accommodated by the second ofthe configurable seating device.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: hingedly attaching at least one side structure to the secondportion, wherein, when the at least one side structure is an uprightposition, resists the user from falling off the second portion; andpositioning a securing strap proximate a second end of the firstportion, the securing strap configured to wrap around a torso of theuser to support the user while in the open position.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: positioning a receiver operably connectedto a light source on at least one of the first portion, the secondportion, and the third portion, wherein the receiver receives atransmission from a remote device to activate the light source; andenclosing the first portion, second portion, and the third portion witha shelter system, wherein the shelter system includes a plurality ofshelter walls, a canopy, a shelter strap attached to the structure, atleast one supporting rod, and at least one elastic strap.
 14. The methodof claim 11, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and thethird portion have a continuous, solid surface.
 15. The method of claim11, wherein the configurable device includes a removable seat cushionattached to the second portion, the removable seat cushion having arechargeable battery operably attached to the removable seat cushion,further wherein the removable seat cushion includes a heating coildisposed within to heat the removable seat cushion.
 16. A folding treeseat comprising: a rigid portion, the rigid portion operating incombination with a strap to removably secure the folding tree seatagainst the tree, the strap wrapping around the tree; a rigid seatconnected to the rigid portion at a first end of the rigid seat, therigid seat including a cushion, wherein the rigid seat includes a secondend distal from the first end, the second end defining an edge extendingalong the second end of the rigid seat from a first end of the edge to asecond end of the edge; and a rigid leg having a length that extendsbetween a first end and a second end, the rigid leg operably connectedto the rigid seat, only at the second end of the rigid seat, the rigidleg being substantially perpendicular to the rigid seat when the foldingtree seat is in an unfolded position, wherein the rigid leg is pivotablyconnected along the edge of the rigid seat; wherein, when the foldingtree seat is in the unfolded position, the rigid leg contacts a groundsurface and is capable of supporting a weight of a user while the useris sitting on the cushion of the rigid seat, the user sitting on thecushion of the rigid seat when the rigid seat is a distance above theground surface that corresponds to the length of the rigid leg.
 17. Thefolding tree seat of claim 16, wherein the rigid leg is substantiallyparallel to the rigid seat in a folded position.
 18. The folding treeseat of claim 16, wherein at least one of the rigid leg, the rigid seat,and the rigid portion are comprised of metal.
 19. The folding tree seatof claim 16, further a comprising a pouch.
 20. The folding tree seat ofclaim 1, wherein the distance is equal to or greater than the length ofthe third portion.
 21. The folding tree seat of claim 11, wherein thedistance is equal to or greater than the length of the third portion.22. The folding tree seat of claim 16, wherein the distance is equal toor greater than the length of the rigid leg.